MnCUN Membership

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As an organization designed to serve and support the needs and interests of credit unions around the state, the Minnesota Credit Union Network works hard on behalf of its members year-round. MnCUN is committed to providing a viable option for membership at an affordable price, while working to ensure the success, growth and vitality of Minnesota credit unions. We do this by creating a positive public environment through leadership, political advocacy, education, awareness and regulatory assistance.

We are acutely aware of the challenges and opportunities credit unions face in today's changing financial environment. With a dedicated, committed and passionate staff, our members can have confidence that the Network is experienced, accessible, informed – and ready to assist in any way possible.

Through our consistent presence and valuable service offerings, MnCUN has maintained an affiliation rating of above 90 percent for more than a decade. We value our members' continued trust in us, and we appreciate the opportunity to be able to serve credit unions throughout the state.
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Goals & Strategic Objectives

The Minnesota Credit Union Network Board of Directors and staff are regularly engaged in the development of MnCUN's strategic plan. We are keenly focused on creating the environment to help credit unions grow marketshare, and we are tireless advocates of the credit union movement. Our three-year strategic plan grounds our core activities in the following overarching goals:

Create a favorable legislative environment

Increase marketplace awareness of credit unions

Ease the regulatory burden on credit unions

Ensure organizational excellence to provide value to member credit unions

Specific measurable goals and annual initiatives are derived from these broad goals to maintain our strategic framework and create a shared vision for the association and credit unions throughout the state.

Activities & Accomplishments 2014

Throughout the course of the year, Network staff work hard to accomplish a wide variety of initiatives in accordance with MnCUN’s strategic plan. Our aim is to create the environment for credit unions to grow. We do that by providing strong advocacy on the legislative, regulatory and public awareness fronts. We also foster cooperation and unity among the industry by providing education and networking opportunities throughout the year. Read on for a detailed look at MnCUN’s efforts in 2014….

MnCUN was heavily engaged in the 2014 mid-term elections, both on the state and federal levels. The Political Involvement Committee endorsed four candidates in Congressional races, all of whom won their bids for election in November. CUPAC, the state’s credit union Political Action Committee, had a 94 percent success rate in supporting 71 candidates in their bids for election to the Minnesota House of Representatives. Support was spread evenly across both parties.

Four Minnesota credit unions engaged in a partisan communication effort this election cycle, in conjunction with MnCUN and the Credit Union National Association (CUNA). This action resulted in nearly 70,000 postcards sent by mail to credit union members in support of Congressman Rick Nolan (8th District), who has been one of the strongest credit union supporters in Congress since his election in 2012. Rep. Nolan won victory by a slim 3,500 vote margin, thanks in part to the support of the credit union industry.

MnCUN launched the Why I Love My Credit Union campaign in March of 2014, asking credit union members to provide submissions in writing and by video. Throughout the course of the year, nearly 600 stories were collected from credit union members and employees from across the state, and compiled into a video summary. Stories were shared with legislators, the media and also given back to credit unions for use in their own marketing efforts.

Through the Grassroots Coordinators program, Network staff continue to engage key leaders at 36 credit unions. Communications and events targeting Grassroots Coordinators provide credit unions with the “inside scoop” on legislative initiatives and involve them early in advocacy efforts.

MnCUN continues to preserve the credit union tax status and is actively engaged in discussions about tax reform, even after the success of the Don't Tax My Credit Union campaign which generated more than 60,000 Congressional contacts to Minnesota’s elected officials. This strong advocacy was able to keep credit unions out of the House Ways & Means Committee Chairman’s tax reform proposal that was released in February.

Throughout the 2014 Minnesota Legislative Session, MnCUN’s governmental affairs team lobbied elected officials on more than 70 bills that would impact the credit union industry. (See the 2014 Session Summary for full details.)

Through MnCUN’s lobbying efforts, seven Minnesota Congressional Representatives and Sen. Franken sent letters encouraging NCUA Chairman Matz to consider dramatically changing the proposed Risk-Based Capital (RBC) rule to make it less onerous. These communications added to an overwhelming tally of letters from Minnesota credit unions and were instrumental in the Chairman announcing that the modified RBC proposal will have a second comment period, as requested by CUNA and MnCUN.

The Network’s lobbying team halted a proposal that would have mandated pre-foreclosure mediation for any lender. This legislation also would have applied to any subsequent lien holders on a property, including home equity loans, and, if they were found to have acted in “bad faith,” by not participating in mediation, for example, their lien would have been voided.

MnCUN proactively lobbied for legislation regarding the current foreclosure process, which ultimately was signed into law by Gov. Dayton. Referred to as the Curative Act, the bill clarifies the statute of limitations for curative provisions for validating or invalidating a mortgage foreclosure, and made permanent the definition of a “small servicer” which was due to sunset in August 2014, making permanent an exemption from certain loss mitigation provisions for lenders completing fewer than 125 foreclosures during the preceding 12 months.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS & PUBLIC RELATIONS
increasing awareness of credit unions

MnCUN executed a slate of press events in 2014 and created several infographics to generate media coverage about credit unions. The press events illustrated how “Credit Unions Lead the Way in Financial Literacy,” and that credit unions are “Minnesota Minded” and “Community Connected.” Events received coverage through television, local newspapers, trade press, local and national social media, and a podcast segment.

As the Network continues to deepen its penetration and engagement with the media, staff have met with several newspaper editorial boards around the state of Minnesota to educate writers and editors about the credit union difference. Additionally, MnCUN welcomed four members of the Capitol Press Corps to participate in a panel discussion at the 2014 CU Day at the Capitol.

The Network continues to publish its Connected to Community newsletter that is sent to legislators, media, and public opinion leaders – and this year, distribution of that newsletter was expanded to GREAT members.

In partnership with Minnesota Public Radio’s “The Current,” MnCUN co-sponsored the spring schedule of “Policy and a Pint,” a program that provides information and education on various policy issues. This program typically attracts young professionals, advocates and future public opinion leaders – a beneficial audience in which credit unions can gain awareness.

COMMUNICATIONS

disseminating information to credit unions, consumers & the media

As part our media relations work, MnCUN has focused on earned media as an important part of its overall communications strategy. The communications department performs regular pitches to local media, drafts press releases, provides quarterly statistical data and growth statistics, highlights trend stories, coordinates event-based media coverage, and submits op-eds and letters to the editor.

A major focus of the past year has been to encourage credit unions to share their stories with the Network. This sharing has helped us create a “cycle of news” to share those stories more effectively. With the launch of an enhanced News Channel in March, this is now the home of all credit union news – including published stories and news coverage, credit union press releases, and releases from the Network and the Foundation.

In April MnCUN began circulating a weekly Media Digest to 200+ media contacts around the state, summarizing all news published and distributed over the past week. This is just one step in the “cycle of news,” which also includes posting to state and national social media sites, story pitches to local press and trade press, and inclusion in The Pulse newsletter.

In delivering the credit union message to a variety of important audiences on social media, MnCUN staff continue to boost the industry’s presence on Facebook, Twitterand LinkedIn, providing timely updates and relevant news to friends and followers.

Network staff spearheaded efforts among credit unions in the state to submit comments on NCUA’s risk-based capital proposal, which included a draft letter to guide credit unions, as well as an informational conference call and an online resource center. Representatives from MnCUN also attended NCUA’s Listening Session in July to discuss specific concerns with the risk-based capital proposal.

MnCUN’s compliance department continuously monitors the legal and regulatory environment and provides updates and compliance support to all member credit unions by phone, email, newsletter and other publications, including monthly reminders of upcoming dates and deadlines, webinars, teleconferences and updates.

The Network provides strong advocacy on behalf of Minnesota credit unions through quarterly meetings with regulators from the NCUA and Department of Commerce to maintain open lines of communication and to candidly discuss credit union concerns. NCUA Chairman Debbie Matz attended MnCUN’s Annual Meeting in April and also met with Minnesota credit unions in June at Hike the Hill. The Network also frequently engaged with the Commerce Department through various partnerships and initiatives, including an open format roundtable with credit union representatives to discuss cyber security, examinations, statutory concerns and other issues.

Through the Compliance Services Program, MnCUN staff provide compliance and audit expertise, working on-site with credit unions around the state.

EDUCATION & NETWORKING

providing opportunities for interaction, learning & professional development

MnCUN offered timely training and education in 2014, working in partnership with several other organizations and agencies. These events included:

two all-day NMLS-approved Mortgage Loan Originator Training courses, in conjunction with CUNA, to provide safe harbor for an individual loan originator as stated in the new rules issued by the CFPB pursuant to Dodd-Frank amended Regulation Z.

Network staff continues to develop The Crew professional development & networking group for credit union staff 35 and under. This year, MnCUN named its first Crew Ambassador – Amanda Kissner of Wakota Federal Credit Union – to help shape and guide the Crew’s activities and offerings. The Crew had an exclusive session with NCUA Chairman Debbie Matz in April, and introduced the opportunity to “Crash” the Fall Leadership Conference in September.

With the occurrence of several high-profile retail data breaches in the past year, the Network coordinated two informational conference calls on the subject. Each call had more than 60 participants from around the state, and featured industry experts from MnCUN, CUNA, CUNA Mutual Group, and CO-OP Financial Services. Staff created resource pages on the MnCUN website and posted archives of the calls for members.

Each year, MnCUN coordinates a professional development lineup that includes training on a variety of topics and in various formats. Major events include Annual Meeting, Credit Union Day at the Capitol, Fall Conference and CEO Conference.

The 2014 Annual Meeting was a resounding success, which included a complete format change and new venue at the Radisson Blu Mall of America. The two-day conference welcomed more than 450 credit union professionals and volunteers from 78 Minnesota credit unions and 55 service organizations from across the country. The conference featured KARE 11 TV anchor Kim Insley, NCUA Chairman Chair Debbie Matz, and industry speakers Brett Christiansen, John Lass, and Anthony Huey.

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

delivering solutions & savings to credit unions

In illustrating the strong partnership, CUNA Mutual Groupand the Minnesota Credit Union Network held a joint planning session to analyze the Minnesota market, discuss changes in the local landscape, and implement strategies for greater penetration and collaboration.

MnIPCcontinues to work through the integration process following its asset purchase of North Dakota-based credit union service organization ProDraft Services Inc., adding to its processing solutions portfolio. This acquisition provides additional strength for MnIPC clients and offers a continuation of the services offered by ProDraft, with the benefits of enhanced technology, greater efficiencies and increased financial stability.

Through MnCUN’s Compliance & Audit Services, credit unions received highly-qualified audit and compliance services – either one time or on a quarterly or monthly basis – ranging from Bank Secrecy Act, plastic card reviews and lending compliance to SAFE Act, vendor management and website reviews.

MnCUN staff provided a record level of strategic planning & consulting services to credit unions in 2014, working with institutions to implement growth strategies, reduce expenses, resolve audit findings, and establish business continuity plans. This proactive planning lays the groundwork for the future growth of credit unions.

To help credit unions leverage social media to improve their communications with members and potential members, MnCUN partnered with DAYTA Marketing to help credit unions develop their social media strategy. DAYTA brings a high level of social media experience to the credit union industry, offering varying levels of support from consulting to email marketing and website development, to complete management of a credit union’s social media program.

We need you!

The strength of the Minnesota Credit Union Network is our unity and our willingness to work cooperatively. Not only do credit unions help each other as a part of the cooperative movement, but MnCUN also spearheads our industry's advocacy efforts and communicates with a broad base of legislators on behalf of credit unions.

The strength that comes from joining together to advocate for the credit union movement and 1.6 million credit union members around the state is immeasurable. Affiliation is key to our success and to the success of the industry.

We appreciate the opportunity to serve credit unions across the state, working together to meet the present and future challenges. We encourage you to contact us at any time!

The Three-Tiered System: MnCUN, Credit Unions & CUNA

As a member of the Minnesota Credit Union Network, you are also a member of CUNA, the Credit Union National Association. This three-tiered system – which brings together CUNA, the state Networks/Leagues, and credit unions – is the most effective advocacy engine for the credit union movement, supporting more than 100 million credit union members nationwide. See the documents below for information on CUNA and its various activities and accomplishments.